For a moment, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t unsettled. His blunt evaluation was so rude, it made the fleeting flutter I had felt at his appearance seem ridiculous. It wasn’t something one said at a first meeting.

“Haha...”

But I didn’t erase my smile as I withdrew my hand. He clearly had no intention of shaking hands, so it was best to give up on the rejected greeting. The only choice was to play it off, feigning nonchalance.

“Good thing, then. At least my face is tolerable.”

Even at my playful retort, Kwon Yido still looked down at me with a blank face. He had no intention of matching my tone or smiling along. So perhaps that was why he added, in the same matter-of-fact way as if simply stating a fact:

“Even that’s not much to speak of.”

I wasn’t offended. It would have been stranger # Nоvеlight # if he liked me. As I’d already said, tolerable was fortunate enough.

“So, what brings you here...?”

I cautiously spoke to him. What reason could he have to come find me in this empty waiting room? If he had business with me, I couldn’t guess what it was.

“I came to see your face once.”

He answered in that uniquely elegant voice of his. Even though he used formal language, he had a way of making it sound like he was speaking down. His refined voice was at odds with his indifferent eyes.

“When you buy something, you look with your eyes. Since you’re the one I’ll be marrying, I should at least take a look.”

“....”

Should I be glad he at least called me ‘the one I’ll be marrying’? Judging by his expression, I might as well be worth less than merchandise. He probably looked more interested when he went shopping.

“And if you treat me as if it’s our first meeting, that would be troublesome in its own way.”

“...That won’t be an issue.”

I already knew how to treat him. Articles had declared us lovers—how could I act cold in front of others? I hadn’t survived this long in corporate society without knowing that much. It would be child’s play.

“I’ll make sure I don’t cause trouble.”

When I said that politely, Yido raised an eyebrow. A small change, but for some reason it felt as though he was satisfied. He blinked slowly, then spoke offhandedly.

“You manage your expression well.”

Was that... a compliment? Either way, it wasn’t negative. It would have been better had he not added, almost to himself, “Or maybe you just know your place.”

“Time is short, so let’s keep this brief.”

Yido checked the watch on his wrist, then gestured toward the sliding doors that led from the waiting room into the garden.

“When those doors open, I’ll come to get you. Take the hand I offer naturally, and smile as happily as you can.”

His instructions were simple. It was no different from what I’d already pictured the wedding hall would be like.

“I’ll be going around to greet people, but you don’t need to say a word. When you’re talking with others, just keep your arm linked with mine.”

I would probably just have to remain by his side like an ornament. No need to take initiative—just smile pleasantly.

“I trust you’ll behave appropriately. I hope you won’t do anything to trouble me.”

The look in his eyes demanded an answer. When I replied, “Understood,” he tilted his head slightly.

“If you have anything you’re curious about, I’ll hear it.”

At least he was better than Father, in that sense. Father never even offered me the chance to ask questions.

“No, I don’t have anything to ask.”

I had no need to ask. No matter the situation, it would always be me who had to bow my head. This was a contract between Seonho and Haesin, and the outcome depended on how I conducted myself. As long as I gauged the mood and acted accordingly, I could manage.

“And you can speak casually with me.”

“Well, no need.”

I smiled gently as I said it, but Yido brushed it off. Not in the sense that he refused, but that there was no need to say it aloud—he would simply do as he wished.

“After the ceremony, we’ll go to my house. You’ve probably heard, but you’ll be living there for the time being.”

This was the first I’d heard of it, but it hardly mattered. Anything I needed, I could ask Mr. Kim for. In truth, there wasn’t much I needed. I had already taken leave from work, so that wouldn’t be a problem either.

“That’s all. I’ll be going now.”

With only that, Yido turned away. His back as he walked toward the door was immaculate. As I watched that broad back, he slid open the doors and then glanced back with a low murmur.

“You should change your taste in perfume.”

“...What?”

“The scent itself isn’t bad.”

He paused, looking me up and down. His gaze was openly dismissive.

“But don’t try to mask crude pheromones with something like that.”

“....”

Should I have said something? That I wasn’t hiding them—that they simply didn’t come out? That my pheromone glands were malformed, and this was just a poor imitation?

But before I could speak, he left without another glance. Through the closing door, his departing figure disappeared. All that remained was the heavy trace of pheromones, incomparable to anything like perfume.

Even after Yido left, the waiting wasn’t over. Staff came in from time to time, but only to silently check my hair and clothing. They seemed to loathe even the slightest wrinkle in the suit, so in the end I couldn’t even sit on the sofa, left standing all the while.

“Mr. Jung Sejin, it’s time to prepare.”

The endless waiting ended only when my empty stomach began to twist. Father never returned, and I had no idea where Mr. Kim had gone. Led to the sliding doors, I felt strangely aware.

“There’s nothing difficult. Don’t be nervous, just relax.”

Was this my final destination all along—marriage? Just from a brief encounter with Yido, I could already see how it would be. It would be no different from life at the family home—only more worthless.

“....”

The sliding doors began to open. The bouquet in my hands suddenly felt heavy. Sunlight streaming through the gap was warm enough to make me want to cry. I closed my stinging eyes, then opened them to a wide panorama.

The first thing I saw was the garden filled with guests. White cloth like snow adorned the wedding path, and familiar faces applauded as they looked at me.

In the middle of the dazzlingly ornate garden, a place clearly meant for display—

There was Kwon Yido.

“....”

He strode forward and extended his hand to me. His face was as expressionless as ever, his gaze devoid of emotion. He had told me to smile like I was happy, yet his own face was cold as ice.

Even so, I smiled sweetly and took his hand. Like someone who had truly looked forward to this day, I smiled as if I were happier than I had ever been. As if I had known perfect romance, as if this moment were truly mine.

It wasn’t difficult. I had always played the role of Father’s perfect son. I had always deceived everyone into thinking I had grown up surrounded by love.

The moment our hands touched, Yido’s eyes twitched faintly. It was such a tiny reaction that no one else could have noticed. His hand was cold despite the warm spring weather, and the way it enclosed mine was anything but tender.

We walked side by side across the white path. With every step, countless eyes followed me. I didn’t mind the stares, but the constant snapping of camera shutters grated faintly.

Until I reached the podium, I deliberately avoided looking toward where my family sat. If our eyes met, I didn’t think I could control my expression. Father and Mother were one thing—but Minjae’s gaze, I knew exactly what it would be.

“Next will be the exchange of rings.”

The officiant was omitted, and Yido slid the ring onto my finger. A silver ring set with a diamond, surely platinum. As I thought that, his right hand brushed my cheek.

“....”

Our eyes met. He slowly leaned closer. Ah, there was a kiss in the order. With that thought, I gently closed my eyes.

When his lips touched, I felt nothing in particular. I wasn’t trembling, nor was I disgusted. His hands were cold, but at least his lips were warm. With that thought, the corners of my mouth curled faintly.

“....”

“....”

With a small sound, our lips parted. A sound only the two of us could hear. I opened my eyes slowly, still smiling. He, too, had opened his eyes and stared at me for a brief moment.

Was it my imagination? His gaze seemed darker, deeper. His face was as expressionless as ever, yet I couldn’t help but think so. He clicked his tongue almost inaudibly and slowly drew his hand away.

*** 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The ceremony was so dull it was hard not to yawn if I lost focus. The only part worth noting was when Yido read the declaration of marriage. His voice was so well-trained, it was as pleasant as any actor’s.

“Congratulations on your marriage.”

“Wishing you both happiness.”

After the proceedings, Yido and I went around to greet the guests. As he’d instructed, I kept my arm linked with his and smiled politely at everyone we met. He did all the speaking—really, only listening while others flattered him—so I had no reason to open my mouth at all.

I felt like nothing more than an accessory. A pretty ornament dangling from his side. The evaluations I received amounted to little more than, “As expected of an omega, there’s something different about him.”

“Please take good care of our Sejin, Executive Director.”

Father addressed his son’s spouse with full honorifics. The amusing part was that Yido, in turn, addressed Father as “Chairman Jung.” If they wanted this to look like a love marriage, they should have started with the way they spoke. Though it didn’t look unnatural, at least.

“I brought Sejin here and raised him as if he were my own son. Sending him off to you like this—it makes my heart ache.”

“....”

I lowered my eyes without speaking. Not because I was overcome with emotion, but because I wanted it to look as if I were holding back tears. That way, no one would see how hard it was to keep my smile in place.

Together with Yido, I greeted not only my family but his as well. His parents and sister’s family said little, but his older brother studied me with a sly grin, as if intrigued. His gaze, raking me up and down, sent an inexplicable chill down my spine.

“Wow, because you’re an omega? You’re much more...”

I let the rest wash past my ears. Pretty, suitable even as a man, empty words. I wasn’t particularly slight of build, but of course I was nothing compared to Yido.

“If you get tired of him, let me know. I wouldn’t mind a taste.”

“Watch your mouth. There are plenty of ears here.”

“Relax. I’m whispering. No one can hear.”

Kwon Ijeong chuckled as he patted Yido’s shoulder. From a distance, they would look like affectionate brothers. As his eyes lingered on my neck, he lowered his voice further.

“I usually don’t take leftovers, but as long as you don’t wear him out, he might do.”

“....”

“So take good care. You hear?”

I had heard many things in my life, but never such a brazen insult. Not that I felt shame—more like a curious kind of disbelief.

“If he can’t satisfy you, you let me know. I might do better.”

He said someone experienced does it best, and told me to reach out if I was interested. I wondered if I was supposed to answer, but then Yido steered me away, sparing me the need. Judging from his expression, those two weren’t the friendliest brothers.

By the time the sun set, the long wedding finally ended. Yido excused himself briefly, leaving me waiting near the garden walkway. The air would grow cold once night fell.

“Jung Sejin.”

At the familiar voice, I looked up to see Minjae. His hair, lightly dyed, was neatly arranged, and he wore a suit without a tie. His face, so much like Mother’s, was filled with turbulent emotions.

“You fucking...”

“....”

I glanced around and signaled subtly. Too many eyes—he should be careful. But Minjae didn’t change expression, only bit out the words:

“You ungrateful bastard.”

“...What?”

Of all people, Minjae was the last from whom I expected that. “Ungrateful”? It was absurd.

“Is marrying some rich guy making you that happy?”

His words came sharp and low. He knew this wasn’t the place for such talk. What on earth was wrong with him? As I stared, he muttered on.

“After everything, after raising you, you sit there grinning through the whole ceremony...”

First of all, this marriage wasn’t my choice. And that smiling—it had been at Yido’s demand. But of course, Minjae didn’t know that. He must have thought I smiled because I was happy.

“Don’t you know how hurt Father is? And you still call yourself his son?”

Still, that didn’t give him the right to blame me. A sudden wave of fatigue throbbed at my temples. I had slept less than five minutes the night before, hadn’t eaten a single meal all day, and spent the entire time on edge.

“You really are an omega, falling for some alpha bastard...”

“Minjae.”

I covered my eyes with one hand and let out a breath. At the sound of his name, Minjae flinched and shut his mouth. I calmed my breath and spoke steadily.

“The ceremony isn’t over yet.”

I knew it might rile him up more, but I didn’t have the composure to handle it better right now.

“I know you’re worried about me, but...”

“....”

“Let’s talk about this later, when it’s just family.”

I said it deliberately, though I didn’t mean it. Because I knew if I said that, Minjae would sulk and storm off. Brother and family—the two words he couldn’t bear.

“Ha, fuck.”

As expected, Minjae spat a curse and turned away. The problem was that someone was standing behind him. When I lifted my head at the faint trace of pheromones, Yido was there, his expression unchanged.

“...Ah.”

It was a mistake. There was no need for him to see such a conversation. As Minjae faltered nervously, Yido glanced at his watch with the same indifferent face.

“Are you going to continue that boring conversation?”

“....”

I couldn’t help but laugh faintly. The worry I had just felt seemed so meaningless. To Yido, what mattered was the contract. What did it matter to him what Minjae and I said?

“Even if we were, let’s go.”

Yido ended it with that and turned away. I followed after him, avoiding Minjae’s gaze.

“We’ll talk later.”

“....”

“If it’s urgent, call me...”

Should I have said it again? I hesitated, but there was nothing else I could say to him.

“I’ll go now.”